help with broke newer model

[blazin_blazer]

guys i love my k5's, mainly bc i can work on and fix them. but i daily drive a 1998 1/2 ton silverado and im not up on all the electronics. the truck ran fine last time i drove it a few days ago. i tried to start it today and it will turn over and every now and then it hits just once or twice but wont start. when i let off the key n the starter disengages i can hear it kinda hit lightly n spin the motor sometimes even after motor has stopped spinning, it will fire out the blue n turn over like 1/2 turn.. scared its going to kick backwards n backfire n hurt something but its like its not enuff for it to start or its a lil to late..also smells like its flooding..where do i start? is there a way to view trouble codes stored without a tool on a 1998 model? this is why i hate new models..i gotta get my 68 c10 on the road

 

[bigblock72]

The most likely cause is the distributor cap has burned through and allowing spark to jump from the coil directly to cylinder 6 (might be 4). This is real common on aftermarket caps and there isn't any way to see it since it burns under a layer of plastic. Make sure to only use Delco parts.

The next most common thing is the distributor bushings will wear and let the shaft move in a random pattern and/or the gear will wear to nothing. Easy to tell once the cap is off by just grabbing the rotor and feel for slop.